List of 13

I've been reading around and complied a list of ways to keep it up. Not necessarily to be implemented all at once... but just things to think about.
 

"Life is full of setbacks. Success is determined by how you handle the setbacks."

1- Easy does it. My first instinct is to jump in head first, full force. It feels like the only way sometimes. (not just in exercise, but everywhere in life.) It feels like if I don't just change everything all at once, then I won't do it at all. On the contrary, when it comes to being fit...it's not going to happen all it once. No matter how much I lay in bed wishing it would... So how about one day at a time. Build intensity later.
2- Reward yourself. This is one of the things I tend to leave out. It feels so counterproductive to go home and eat a whole bunch of pasta just because it's what I'm craving the most, or drink a latte with *GASP* regular syrup and regular milk. Umm Hello. Why does exercise have to be about weight all the time anyway. That just makes me feel less motivated to do it...because it never happens fast enough for me. Today, the whole weight loss thing is going to just be a nice bonus...and if it doesn't happen then so be it. I just want to be healthy today, and healthy means happy so rewarding myself to keep myself going is Ok. Hence the massage yesterday...what can I say, I like to start with a bang. And by bang I mean.. BIG REWARD
3- Make it a Challenge. Challenge yourself to 30 days. Create a chart. Add rewards. Do it with someone else. Tell everyone you're doing it. Make a goal. Motivate yourself to death. Ok death may be slightly drastic, and defeat the purpose of the whole ordeal.
4- Blog about it. Hmm, seems like I've acquired this one? One of the places I read said Tell your mom about it. HAHA...needless to say I laughed. Journalling or blogging about it can be a motivator, or it can be a venting session about how much I hate my decision to do this... either way I figure it's a way to see progress and have fun making pointless lists like this one...Oh and subjecting the general public to them. SWEET! double whammy.
5- Fuel it up. How about some Pre-energization. Is that a word? It is now! Lets see... a banana, or for those of you who despise bananas, apples, grapefruit, oranges, cliff bars (gross!), granola and yogurt. Yum! Let us have energy to work out.
6- Say Yes to H20. I realize that doesn't rhyme.. but hydration is key to an awesome workout. I'm not an advocate of the whole sports drink thing because it's basically just a bunch of carbs that add unnecessary calories. Buuut at your discretion. I personally have taken to vitamin water, or more specifically sobe water. I read somewhere that its good to hydrate even an hour before you work out.
7- Go with a friend. This doesn't really apply to me. Not here anyway...no one goes to my gym, and lets face it I'm a hermit. If I had cats, I'd be the scary cat lady. Instead I guess I am just the scary lady?
8- Get good clothes. Okay, for one any reason to get new workout gear is like a positive motivator for me. Hehe. What can I say, I just like sports clothes. Like... Lucy, Title Nine...trouble is they are way too expensive. I'll go for it though, kinda makes it more enjoyable to wear something nice.
9- When it pops in your head, just do it. Don't think, just do it. Instead of tossing around the idea of being active in your mind throughout the day and then never getting around to it... When you think "I should go to the gym"-- put on your shoes and GO!
10- Buy some cool Fitness gadgets. Hmmm an MP3 player to boost your mood?, a heart rate monitor or pedometer? Gives you something to look forward to.
11- Don't buy anything. On second thought... JUST FREAKING WORKOUT! You don't really need to buy anything. Reward yourself later. Besides, you might get yourself into a predicament..where you have a whole bunch of workout stuff but you never use it. Then you're just like me..with an unused gym membership. Sad panda. :(
12- Stretch. Stretching is important, but did you know it's actually not good to stretch before you start your workout? Some refer to it as stretching cold. If you're going to stretch before working out, you should stretch After your warm up. Interesting. Anyway, I like the idea of being flexible. Instead of weight loss, I think thats my main goal.
13- Make it a habit. For some it works to schedule workouts, for others you just need to throw it in 20 minutes here and there wherever you have the chance plus a couple days at the gym. Either way, consistency is the key. Keep it up. Focus on just doing a little every day-- then step up the intensity when you're ready. No need to burn yourself out.

Healthier, slimmer, sexier you... RaWRr!